Site-specific and need based fertilizer nitrogen management is now catching up in developing countries, particularly those using large amount of nitrogen fertilizers. Leaf colour chart , SPAD meter and GreenSeeker optical sensor are the three gadgets being advocated for this purpose. Keeping in view the ease of using a gadget, price and capability of farmers using different gadgets by themselves, which one should be supported by governmnet agencies?
Leaf colour chart is not only economical, it is also very easy to adopt. SPAD and greenseeker are not easy to adopt since it require scientific skill. I feel farmers may face technical issues if we recommend SPAD and Greenseeker to farmers.
You might also consider nitrate test strips for petiole sap. Sap can be squeezes out with a garlic press
Nitrate test strips as advocated by Paul Milham may not be appropriate with small farmers in developing countries who very often cannot perform the test and interpret the results in a right way.
As answered above, Leaf color chart may be the best one in terms of economics and its application by farmers
Hello all,
I think Leaf Color Charts (LCC) are easier to use than the optical sensors. It was reported that they were also efficient in saving nitrogen fertilizer (urea) at a rate of 30 kg/ha. Also yield and profit increase as well as reduced environmental pollution (due to over-fertilization) could be possible.
www.parc.gov.pk/files/Success-Stories/Natural%20Resources%20Sector/02.pdf
Best regards,
Muharrem Keskin
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